Scott County Christmas CART seeking donations and sponsors

GATE CITY — Scott County residents who missed the sign-up days for Christmas CART have one more day to get their applications submitted.

Karen Davidson, community services coordinator for the Appalachian Community Action and Development Agency (AppCAA), said there will be a make-up day Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gate City United Methodist Church, located at 255 Walnut St.

Christmas CART, a partnership between AppCAA and the Big Stone Gap District of the United Methodist Church, prepares, packs and delivers Christmas gifts to families in need in Scott County. Last year, Christmas CART served more than 400 Scott County families and more than 1,300 individuals. Davidson anticipates similar numbers for this year.

“Our sponsors agree to help a child from birth up to 14 years old. This year, we’re also helping 15-, 16- and 17-year-old kids, too,” said Davidson. “The older kids will get a $25 gift card and a shoe box full of hygiene products, a flashlight, maybe some gloves ... stocking stuffer type things. The children from birth to 14 years old, we ask that the sponsors buy one outfit, shirt and pants, one pack of underwear and at least one toy. They can also throw in some stocking stuffers if they want to.”

Some adults, including the disabled and elderly, are also eligible to sign up and will be given a toiletry bag filled with items such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, soap and toothpaste.

Davidson said a tree is located in the main lobby of the Scott County Telephone Co-Op building with “adoptable children” waiting to be sponsored. Both of You Hair Salon in Gate City also has information on children who are available to be sponsored.

For more information on how to sign up for Christmas CART, call Gate City United Methodist Church at (276) 386-7083. Christmas CART is for Scott County residents only.

Christmas CART donations may be dropped off at Appalachian Community Action, located at 175 Military Lane in Gate City.

New or like new stuffed animals, books and school supplies are always needed, as well as monetary donations.